SMCS Community Connects Through the Links
For over 40 years, the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Annual Golf Tournament has been bringing together alumni, parents, friends, and business partners connected to the school. The tournament has been a fundraising staple for the school, raising in excess of $650,000 since its inception along with building many friendships within the school community.
This year’s tournament will take place on Monday, September 19, at the beautiful Woodington Lake Golf Club with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Currently, there is very limited availability in the tournament for those that might be interested. Learn more and secure one of the remaining spots.
However, the annual tournament is not the only place to find our community on the links. Small groups of alumni and friends have started their own traditions of uniting together on the greens.
How one man brought many together
In 1981, Gene Cuccia ’52, OSM, decided to reconnect with as many of his classmates who played hockey and football from 1948 to 1952. To his surprise, approximately 80 guys showed up at his house to kick off the inaugural get-together.
“They were the happiest days of my life,” recalls Cuccia. In 1995, the reunion evolved to include an annual golf game at Streetsville Glen to which many more SMCS grads and friends attended.
With the closing of Streetsville Glen, the venue moved to Bloomington Downs, and it was here that Leo McArthur ’55, a boarder and friend of many of the grads, offered his course to continue the camaraderie. McArthur died in 2016, however his son Blair and his grandson Dylan have carried on wishes by hosting the tournament. So continues the tradition every September when alumni from the 50s and 60s gather to celebrate their friendship and collective memories of SMCS. The golf organizers are now represented by: Dave Keon ’60, Tom Micallef ’56, Ed Rosar ’65, Frank Rosar ’66, Bob Pallante ’59, and Joe Younder ’56.
Buddies Annual Golf Tournament for Cancer
Led by Anthony Scilipoti ’90, the Buddies Annual Golf Tournament is rooted in another SMCS tradition – hockey! After Scilipoti graduated university, a group of friends, including many SMCS grads, put together a hockey team called the Northwest Devils. In 1994, they were awarded $500 for winning the Bill Bolton Consolation Men’s Hockey Championship. They decided to use the prize money to start a golf tournament and BBQ. Looking back, it was a decision that ultimately led to an annual event that has raised nearly $100,000 for cancer-related charities with the 2021 tournament bringing in a record $15,000.
This year, the 29th Annual Buddies Open was held on September 11 at Bethesda Grange Golf Course in Stouffville followed by the traditional BBQ and pool after-party. Almost all the original Devils still participate along with a large SMCS contingent, plus many friends, colleagues, and their families. All are always welcome. It’s a scramble format for fun and is put on for a great cause! For more information, please visit www.buddiesopen.com.
The Grade 12 graduates of 2003
Inspired by the traditions of other classes, the Class of 2003 (Grade 12) held their inaugural Golf Tournament & Reunion at Wooden Sticks Golf Course in 2016. The annual event has grown each year, a testament to the unique camaraderie and school spirit fostered at SMCS, and now regularly features approximately 15 per cent of the 2003 Grade 12 graduates. Beginning with a group brunch, followed by 18 holes and dinner, the reunion provides ample opportunity to reminisce and keep in touch with fellow classmates. With the 7th Annual Tournament & Reunion quickly approaching on September 18, the alumni are thrilled to incorporate a charitable component by establishing the Class of 2003 Bursary which will make a meaningful and targeted impact on the lives of future SMCS students. For more information, please contact Pat Kavanagh ’03 through the Advancement Office.
Related links: